20% off with code: SAVE20 (*Limited Earlybird tickets)
Transform Your Visual Communication with data in just 3 Days:
📅 14–16 July 2025 | 🕙 3-7pm UK time
Masterclass:
Visual Storytelling with Data
Key info:
DAYS: 14, 15, 16 July 2025
FORMAT: 12 hours of online interaction (no pre-recorded videos) on Zoom. Small and international cohort of like-minded people.
LEVEL: These sessions are tool-agnostic and suitable for all skill levels, from designers to data scientists, science communicators to visualisation professionals.
LIMITED OFFER: An earlybird discount of 20% is available, reducing the price to £472 if you register by May 31 st (subject to availability).
Check the fee in your local currency.
BONUS: Live Clinic in April for the first 8 people who sign-up.
DAY 1: DESIGN / Mastering Visual Impact
On the first day, we will explore the process of encoding and decoding, laying out the foundations of visual perception. Then, we will break down the anatomy of the visual display and consider achieving effective hierarchy, through well planned layouts, purposeful colours, clear typography, memorable images and accessibility-first design.
Outcome: Through hands-on exercises, you'll build confidence in sketching and understand why some visuals can immediately draw and hold attention.
DAY 2: DATA / Beyond Charting Conventions
On the second day, we will build your visualization skills from the ground up. You will learn the dos and don'ts of common charts while exploring the art of creative encoding free from templates. You'll work with real-world examples that demonstrate the step-by-step process of transforming raw data into compelling visual outputs.
Outcome: You will learn how to visually translate both qualitative and quantitative data, pushing beyond standard templates while also mastering the effective use of standard charts.
DAY 03: STORY / Data Storytelling
On the final day, we will exploring data storytelling strategies. Discover how to craft compelling narratives that enhance your insights, adapt your visual stories for diverse audiences, and streamline your workflow using digital tools.
Outcome: You will gain a clear overview of the process, an understanding of key digital tools for independent exploration, and the opportunity to apply your learning through collaboration with others.
Is this course right for you?
Have you ever stared at a dataset, wondering, "What's the story here?" Or looked at a chart and thought, "There must be a better way to present this!"
You’re curious, recognising the power of data visualization. But you aspire to do more than just rendering numbers—you want to captivate your audience, prompting them to stop, think, and engage.
Your goal is to ignite curiosity that inspires action.
You aim to create visualizations that linger in people’s minds long after they’ve seen them.
Beyond merely improving your charts, you seek to elevate your communication skills and build confidence. You want to advance your career by becoming known for work that not only stands out but also delivers clarity and impact.
These sessions are tool-agnostic and suitable for all skill levels, from designers to data scientists, science communicators to visualisation professionals.
Topics covered include:
Understand how the brain works: visual perception theory in practice through encoding & decoding
The anatomy of an effective visual display of information: layout, colours, images, typography
Storytelling frameworks for finding insights in data and presenting stories in compelling and engaging ways
Formulating a brief: key considerations about audience, purpose, and medium
Charting conventions: dos and don'ts
Beyond the chart: visual metaphors and semiotics applied to create unique and tailored visual displays of data
An overview of dataviz tools* and how to leverage AI in the data design process
*Note: This is not a software training course. However, participants will be introduced to selected digital tools and get some tips on how to incorporate AI into the process.
👋 Hi, I'm Valentina D'Efilippo – an endlessly curious designer and storyteller.
I've spent over 15 years in the trenches, designing BI tools, apps, digital services and books transforming data into visual stories. I've learned that the magic of connecting insights to people happens when science (data) meets art (design and storytelling) - not when we blindly follow a template.
That's why for over a decade I've helped thousands to elevate their work with my Visual Storytelling with Data Masterclass. While I primarily run this programme privately – for corporate teams – I offer public cohorts a few times a year and I would be thrilled to have you on my next cohort.
Everything I share comes from real-world experience - the mistakes I've made, the successes I've had, and all the "aha!" moments in between.
I can't wait to share my passion and perspective with you! See you online…
Since 2014, Valentina has been teaching Masterclasses for The Guardian, the V&A and Columbia Business school.
She has also trained corporate teams globally for clients such as Spotify, Google, Pfizer, UBS, OPEC, United Nations ILO, and the NHS.
“Learning the art of visual storytelling with data has been a game changer. The workshop broadened and enriched our thinking about the visual stories we want to tell with our data. Helping us build a common visual vocabulary and skill set has transformed the way we work together to tell those stories.”
— Joey Fox, Managing Editor, SIPRI
Limited EARLYBIRD TICKETS, Save £118 (20% off), with code: SAVE20
£590
Check the fee in your local currency
🎁 EarlyBird Bonus: ExTRA Support Session in April
Register before February ends and get an exclusive 1-hour group Q&A clinic to:
• Share your work and get personalized feedback
• Address specific challenges you've encountered
• Fine-tune your implementation strategy
*Note: It's advisable to register soon, as earlybird tickets are limited
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Many participants have successfully expensed this Masterclass through their business or employer’s learning budget. If that’s you, here’s an email template you can duplicate. If you’re passionate about joining but face financial constraints, you can apply for a diversity ticket, see the Q&A below.
What makes this masterclass unique?
🎙️ Active learning
This is a live, interactive experience - no pre-recorded content that will catch digital dust! We'll tackle real challenges together, engage in hands-on exercises, and get real-time feedback on your work.
🎨 gain Confidence & get inspired
We'll learn the foundations, but we won't box ourselves into rules. You will sketch, play, experiment, and probably break some "rules" along the way. Because sometimes, the best insights come from colouring outside the lines.
💬 learn from others
We keep it small, because real learning happens in conversation, not lectures. You'll connect with an amazing community of professionals who share your passion for data storytelling.
Last time, this course sold out. Make sure you get in before the doors close!
Before this workshop, I felt fairly competent at displaying data, but this session opened my eyes to myriad ways of telling engaging, accessible, and persuasive stories. I now have the tools to make my work truly impactful – an invaluable skill for helping people understand issues, make important decisions, and spurring them to action!
— Astrid Grindlay, Public Health Registrar, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
Valentina's clear expertise in, and enthusiasm for, storytelling via infographics and data visualisation helped to make her workshop delivery both informative and inspiring. The balance between information, practical assignments and collaboration across the group was excellent. I left the sessions excited to open up my sketchbook and to start putting learning into practice.
— Helen Strachan - Freelance bid and fundraising professional
Engaging, responsive, knowledgeable, and creative speaker... This course is incredibly worthwhile for all of us in public health to consider how we present and communicate science.
— Dr. Azza Elnaiem, Public Health Medicine Doctor, NHS
Valentina's workshop was thoughtfully designed, balancing instruction and application. Her talent and experience provide unique insights that are hard to come by. Best of all, it was fun!
— Samantha Winters, Senior Director of Strategy, Marketing & Analytics
Don't let another year go by watching your work get lost in the noise. In Only 3 days you can elevate your visual communication skills and gain more confidence in presenting data.
“Valentina's Masterclass is a valuable investment for any product designer looking to enhance their skills in data visualization and storytelling—both of which are in high demand. I have expanded my understanding of design and its application to data storytelling, gaining practical advice on how to implement these skills in my projects.”
— Martin Loskin, Product Designer
FAQ
WHO IS THIS CLASS FOR?
It is ideal for people with an interest in telling stories through data visualization. No design experience is required.
Attendees come from various backgrounds and sectors:
- Data researchers, analysts, statisticians, journalists, marketers, PhD students looking to enhance the creativity and impact of their communications through design
- Designers or developers looking to get a better understanding of data-driven visual solutions
WHAT FORMAT IS THE INSTRUCTION PROVIDED IN?
4 hour per day over 3 consecutive days. We will have a couple of short breaks in each session. The seminar will be held on Zoom, allowing you to join from the comfort of your own home or office.
DO YOU OFFER A DISCOUNT?
Earlybird tickets are available for the first 8 people who sign up before the end of May 2025 after which full payment is required.
ARE THERE ANY FINANCIAL AID OPTIONS?
Yes, 2 diversity tickets are offered to support individuals facing financial struggles. This includes individuals residing in underdeveloped regions, those currently unemployed, those seeking to re-enter the workforce after parental leave. A proof of eligibility is required, get in touch by email [email protected]
CAN I ACCESS THE RECORDING?
Yes, all sessions are recorded and access to the recording will be available to everyone for 14 days post-workshop. *Note: By joining, you provide implied consent to recording the workshop.
WILL THERE BE OTHER CLASSES IN THE FUTURE?
Most likely. However, cost and format might change. Signup to my waiting list to stay informed about future classes.
DO YOU OFFER A REFUND?
No refunds are available if you cannot attend or change your mind. However, you will still have access to the course materials and recording.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE COURSE IS CANCELLED?
In the extremely rare event that the course is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, all attendees will receive a full refund, including the processing fee. Refunds are limited to registration costs only; Valentina is not liable for any other incurred costs.